On this episode of Mind the Gap, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner are joined by Bruce Robertson, Scottish school leader and author of The Teaching Delusion series. Bruce shares his path from chemistry teacher to system leader, and what led him to write a trilogy of books on improving teaching in schools. Together, they explore the gulf between intention and implementation in school improvement, the dangers of gimmick-led practice, and the STAR framework. Bruce argues that genuine school improvement comes from a culture of deliberate, collective, and well-informed effort. The conversation covers everything from professional learning and teacher confidence to behaviour, consistency, and the power of a shared language around teaching.
Bruce Robertson is the director of Next Level Educational, which focuses on high-quality professional development for teachers and school leaders. His best-selling and acclaimed books include The Teaching Delusion trilogy, Power Up Your Pedagogy, and Power Up Your Questioning. Bruce led Berwickshire High School as Headteacher from 2020 to 2024. Find out more about Bruce and his work at https://www.nextleveleducational.com/
Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specialising in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on X @teacherhead
Emma Turner FCCT is a school improvement advisor, education consultant, trainer and author. She has almost three decades of primary teaching, headship and leadership experience across the sector, working and leading in both MATs and LAs. She works nationally and internationally on school improvement including at single school level and at scale. She has a particular interest in research informed practice in the primary phase, early career development, and CPD design. Follow Emma on X @emma_turner75.
This podcast is produced by Haringey Education Partnership. Find out more at https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/
